With both hybrid and fully electric cars widely available in the UK, choosing between them comes down to how you drive, where you can charge and how much upfront budget you have. Here is a straightforward comparison of hybrid vs electric car ownership.
How Hybrid and Electric Cars Differ
A hybrid combines a petrol engine with an electric motor, using the battery to assist the engine and reduce fuel consumption without ever needing to be plugged in for most standard hybrids. A fully electric car has no petrol engine at all, relying entirely on a battery that must be charged, either at home or at a public charging point, for all of its range.
Running Costs Compared
Electric cars are typically far cheaper to run per mile than hybrids, since electricity, particularly through a home charging tariff, costs considerably less than petrol on a like for like basis. However, electric cars usually have a higher upfront purchase price, meaning the total cost of ownership depends heavily on annual mileage and how long you keep the car.
Charging and Refuelling
- Hybrid cars: refuel at any petrol station in minutes, with no need for charging infrastructure at all for standard hybrids.
- Electric cars: require access to charging, ideally a home charger for overnight charging, plus occasional use of public rapid chargers for longer journeys.
Which Should You Choose?
- Choose a hybrid if: you do not have reliable access to home charging, regularly drive long distances, or want a lower upfront cost with reduced fuel use.
- Choose electric if: you can charge at home, mostly drive shorter to medium distances, and want the lowest possible running costs and zero tailpipe emissions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an electric car cheaper to run than a hybrid?
Yes, per mile electric cars are typically cheaper to run than hybrids, provided you have access to reasonably priced home charging.
Do hybrid cars need charging?
Standard hybrids do not need to be plugged in at all, since the battery recharges through the engine and regenerative braking. Only plug-in hybrids can be charged externally.
Which has a longer range, a hybrid or an electric car?
Hybrids generally offer a longer overall range than electric cars due to the petrol engine, since refuelling takes minutes compared with the longer charging times electric cars require.
Related reading: weighing up whether a hybrid makes sense at all? See our guide on whether a hybrid car is worth it.
Written by the Apriliapartsbuyer editorial team, covering UK car buying and running cost guides.
